Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "schemes" often refers to the cunning plans or deceptive strategies devised by individuals or spiritual entities to achieve their own ends, often in opposition to God's will. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings about such schemes, emphasizing the need for discernment and reliance on God's wisdom to avoid falling prey to them.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament frequently addresses the schemes of the wicked, highlighting the contrast between the righteous and those who plot evil. In the Psalms, David often laments the schemes of his enemies, seeking God's protection and deliverance. For instance,
Psalm 37:12-13 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." This passage underscores the futility of wicked schemes in the face of divine justice.
Proverbs also provides wisdom on the subject, warning against the deceitful plans of the wicked.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things the Lord hates, including "a heart that devises wicked schemes." This highlights the moral and spiritual danger of engaging in deceitful plotting.
New Testament InsightsIn the New Testament, the concept of schemes is often associated with spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently warns believers about the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 exhorts Christians to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage emphasizes the need for spiritual preparedness and reliance on God's strength to withstand the enemy's tactics.
Paul also addresses human schemes in his epistles, cautioning against false teachings and deceptive philosophies. In
2 Corinthians 2:11 , he writes, "in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." Here, Paul highlights the importance of being vigilant and discerning to avoid being led astray by cunning deceptions.
Spiritual Warfare and DiscernmentThe Bible consistently teaches that believers must be aware of and prepared for the schemes of both human and spiritual adversaries. Spiritual discernment, prayer, and adherence to God's Word are essential tools in recognizing and resisting these schemes.
James 4:7 advises, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This instruction underscores the power of submission to God and active resistance against evil.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a life of integrity and truthfulness, avoiding the temptation to engage in deceitful schemes themselves. The call to live righteously and trust in God's justice is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Believers are reminded that while the wicked may plot and scheme, God's sovereignty and righteousness will ultimately prevail.
ConclusionThe biblical teaching on schemes serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for vigilance and reliance on God. By understanding the nature of schemes and the biblical response to them, believers can navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and faith.
Greek
3180. methodeia -- craft, deceit... Word Origin from methodeuo (to employ craft) Definition craft, deceit NASB
Word Usage
schemes (1), scheming (1). scheming, trickery.
...3540. noema -- thought, purpose
... mind. Word Origin from noeo Definition thought, purpose NASB Word Usage
minds (4),schemes (1), thought (1). device, mind, thought....
Strong's Hebrew
6098. etsah -- counsel, advice... consultation (2), counsel (52), counselor* (1), counselors* (1), counsels (1), designs
(1), plan (8), plans (2), purpose (6), scheme (1),
schemes (1), strategy
...4284. machashabah -- thought, device
... 1), intentions* (1), invented (1), inventive (1), plan (2), plans (14), plot (1),
plots (1), plotting (1), purposes (3), scheme (2),schemes (4), thoughts (19...
2154. zimmah -- a plan, device, wickedness
... 1), evil intent (1), immorality (2), lewd (3), lewdly (1), lewdness (13), lustful
crime (1), plans (1), wicked scheme (1), wickedschemes (1), wickedness (2)....
4209. mezimmah -- purpose, discretion, device
... devices (1), intent (1), plans (1), plot (1), plots (1), purpose (2), purposes
(1), schemer* (1), thoughts (1), vile deeds (1), wickedschemes (1), wickedly (1...
Library
My Judgment Respecting the Two Last DescribedSchemes of...
... 4. MY JUDGMENT RESPECTING THE TWO LAST DESCRIBEDSCHEMES OF PREDESTINATION.
Both these opinions, as they outwardly pretend, differ...
The Fall of the Empire and of the Papacy
... Conradin fled, but was captured and executed. [Sidenote:Schemes of Charles.]....
During that time Charles developed the most ambitiousschemes....
The Church and the Heathen
... Adalbert'sschemes were wide-reaching.... [Sidenote: Wends.]. But the real mischief
of Adalbert's ambitiousschemes was apparent east of the Elbe....
The Dove and the Lamb
... He was the simple Lamb. A lamb is the simplest of God's creatures. It has noschemes
or plans for helping itself"it exists in helplessness and simplicity....
Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever...
... unhallowed zeal shall drive them beyond the endurance of sound doctrine, they will
heap up teachers for their lusts, that is, constructschemes of doctrine to...
The Word Success Can of Course be Used in Two Senses. ...
... It is exactly hisschemes that are not fulfilled; it is exactly his vision that
is fulfilled.... All hisschemes will fail, all his tools break in his hands....
Meditation v. Jesus Goes up to Jerusalem.
... He spoke also of theschemes of the traitor Judas, and the Blessed Virgin prayed
for him.... I beheld all his wickedschemes and all his thoughts....
Luke x. The Latter Part of the 25Th Verse.
... are determin'd to be in his Will: and in vain will it be for the greatest or wisest
of us all to attempt to accommodate and bend them to ourSchemes, or our...
The Existence of Moral Evil, or Sin, Reconciled with the Holiness...
... It may not be improper to bestow a few brief remarks on these differentschemes.
Section I. The hypothesis of the soul's preexistence....
Why is it that Our Lord Has Tarried Till Now? Why Has not the...
... We answer". First, because God would give man full opportunity to develop hisschemes
and thereby demonstrate the world's need of a competent Ruler....
Thesaurus
Schemes (25 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Schemes (25 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 2:11 that no
advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his
schemes.
...Schemer (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who formsschemes; a projector; esp., a plotter;
an intriguer. Multi-Version Concordance Schemer (2 Occurrences)....
Scheming (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Scheme. 2. (a.) Given to formingschemes; artful;
intriguing. Multi-Version Concordance Scheming (3 Occurrences)....
Parousia
... For similar uncertainties in the Jewishschemes, compare, for instance, 2 Esdras
7:33 and Enoch 45:3. For the fate of the wicked see ESCHATOLOGY; HELL; Paul...
Eschatology
... In certain of the apocalyptic writings a compromise is attempted between these two
schemes after this manner, that the carrying out of the one is merely to...
Tabeel (2 Occurrences)
... In certain of the apocalyptic writings a compromise is attempted between these two
schemes after this manner, that the carrying out of the one is merely to...
Mouth (534 Occurrences)
... In certain of the apocalyptic writings a compromise is attempted between these two
schemes after this manner, that the carrying out of the one is merely to...
Kills (38 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:14 If a manschemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him,
you shall take him from my altar, that he may die. (See NIV)....
Unaware (16 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 2 Corinthians 2:11 that no advantage may be gained over us by
Satan; for we are not ignorant of hisschemes. (See NIV)....
Open (586 Occurrences)
... 6. (a.) Not concealed or secret; not hidden or disguised; exposed to view or to
knowledge; revealed; apparent; as, openschemes or plans; open shame or guilt....
Resources
What are the wiles of the devil in Ephesians 6:11? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian view the Mafia? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about spiritual warfare? | GotQuestions.orgSchemes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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